According to the Michigan State Police received or renewed conceiled pistol licenses increased from under 11,000 to over 25,000 over the last five years.

A trend with multiple influences.

“Women and men a like around the state are ocming to realize that people have the right to carry a concealed weapon,” says President Phillip Hofmeister with Michigan Open Carry. “Women of course are often at a physical disadvantage compared to their attackers so it makes sense for them to get a gun to equalize the fight.”

“You have more women living alone with their children then in the past.” Steve Dulan with the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners says. “You’ve also got a shift in culture of gun selling.”

An increase that some experts expect to continue over the next several years.

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